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A networked, clustered computing environment for researching, developing, playing and experiencing (beyond) next generation computer games and game worlds. ...
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The Game Grid: Research Vision Walt Scacchi Institute for Software Research and Laboratory for Computer Game Culture and Technology School of Information and Computer Science University of California Irvine Irvine, CA 92697-3425 USA http://www.ics.uci.edu/~wscacchi
Overview • Research Problems • Approach • Related efforts • Conclusions
The Game Grid • A networked, clustered computing environment for researching, developing, playing and experiencing (beyond) next generation computer games and game worlds. • Not just Web services framework and computing grid fabric. • But a testbed, archive, community and venue for new ways of developing, deploying, and performing game-based synthetic or mixed reality environments across a variety of (heterogeneous) platforms. • See http://www.ucgamelab.net
(One) Game Grid research problem • What is the best way to rapidly create networked game worlds and play experience? • “best” => • faster, better, cheaper • open source (e.g., BSD/MIT style license) • (global) community-based development, contribution and support • Fun, enjoyable, intrinsically motivating, disruptive, etc. • Modification, Construction, or Generation?
Proposed solutions • Modification • Hack existing game content, levels, engine • Repurpose content/data from other sources • Construction • Scripting (UnrealScript vs. C-shell/Perl/Python/…) • Custom programming using SDK and other tools • Generation • Parameter value instantiation • Macro expansion • Language-directed (game) application generation • Meta-environments tailored for (game) domain
Proposed solutions: evaluation • Generation • Modification • Construction Automated support? Ease of use/development? Flexibility?
Approach • Investigate the development and use of meta-environments for new game domains • Support generation, modification, and construction techniques and tools • Target (non-traditional) game domains relevant to artists, scientists, humanists, software developers, gamers, etc.
Related R&D efforts • visual and performing arts • e.g., machinima • science and technology education • informal education in science • humanities and social sciences • graphic narratives for storytelling • alternative game cultures and venues • hot rod game machines and GameCon’s
Informal Science Education as a Game Grid Community? • Quantum Physics Game • Classical Physics Game • 3D MEMS Device Design as new game? • MEMS Device vs. Mighty Mite game?
Hot Rod Computing Culture • Examples of “open hardware” mods applied to realize a hot rod PC (for computer game playing) • Venue for hot rod PCs: QuakeCon • QuakeCon2002 LAN party w/>1700 PCs • QuakeCon2003 LAN party w/>3200 PCs • Other large LAN parties appearing as meeting place for hot rod PCs
Related Research • Free/Open Source Software Development • Fourth most popular area for F/OSSD with >8000 projects on SourceForge.org • Tools, techniques, and concepts for • Game development (e.g., game modding) • F/OSSD, and • Emerging game grid domains (physical sciences, nanotechnology, visual/performing arts, massively multi-participant worlds for living narratives, GameCons, etc.) can be brought together for mutual benefit.
Conclusions • Game Grid partners are jointly conducting R&D in computer game culture and technology • Breaking down barriers between art, science, technology, culture through computer games, game environments, and experiences • Creating a new generation of informal learning tools and techniques, together with a global community of developers and users, through a massively shared, participatory computing grid.